a narrative adventure in spirituality

Ready For Action

The letter to the Church at Ephesus is likely a document meant to circulate through Ephesus and on into the churches of the Lycus Valley. As other New Testament letters, Ephesians finishes strong with application. And its final emphasis clearly attempts to prepare us for the reality that life is war. By awakening the troops throughout the valley to be ready. Every morning we wake up in battle. Every day we are in combat with an opponent.

Ephesians wants us prepared to face our opponent. Ephesians is not the only place I have been spending time in recent days. I have also been spending some time at the soccer field. I am tempted to apologize for thinking of soccer. But, the fact is, I can no longer read scripture without thinking of outside things such as soccer. And while on the soccer field I can no longer help but think about scripture.

Truth be known, I have spent a great deal of time at the soccer field for the past thirty years. And in preparation for this fall season, I have been working three times a week with a local club team. Keightley continues to play soccer in the local Mechanicsburg Soccer Club. And Karissa has just started her college career playing at Ohio Christian University.

While on the field, we are in uniform. A jersey reminds us which side we are on. It reminds us that winning requires a team effort. It reminds us that we can not do it alone. Shorts free us up for running, for dribbling, and defending. Cleats are designed for ball control, balance, proper maneuvering, and maintaining traction. Shin guards serve the obvious but necessary purpose of protecting the lower leg. The uniform reminds us of the importance to be prepared. To be dressed and ready for action.

A uniform does serve a purpose. It is not worn just to look nice. I may be talking about a soccer uniform but remember – I have been reading the letter to the Church at Ephesus. I have an interest in the armor of God. Ephesians wants us to know the importance of the breastplate of righteousness, the helmet of salvation, the belt of truth, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith, the sword of the Spirit. Ephesians wants us to know that we have an enemy. That we are unable to combat the enemy alone. Ephesians wants us to know that God desires to protect us. That we must prepare properly. We must be dressed and ready for action.